"Kindergartners who visit cultural organizations, even if it’s just once, have higher achievement scores by 3rd grade, no matter their socio-economic status. Children who visit cultural organizations are more likely to vote, be active in their communities and volunteer as adults."

When you support Theatre of Youth (TOY) – Western New York’s only professional theatre company dedicated to child audiences – you help ensure our children have access to positive, life-enriching experiences. It is critical for youth, the thought-leaders of tomorrow, to be immersed in a robust, artistic, and cultural environment throughout their developmental years.

The 21st century demands flexible and innovative thinkers; arts organizations like TOY prep children for new perspectives and ideas that develop stronger social bonds within communities. Research studies confirm the many benefits of exposing children to arts and culture: children who participate in arts programs and cultural activities earn higher grades and test scores and go farther in school. Kindergartners who visit cultural organizations, even if it’s just once, have higher achievement scores by 3rd grade, no matter their socio-economic status. Children who visit cultural organizations are more likely to vote, be active in their communities and volunteer as adults.

But for many of our young people, engaging with the arts outside of the school environment is just not possible. As these opportunities are eliminated from school curriculums, families are left to provide these life changing opportunities. For a family from Buffalo’s inner city, it is often a luxury they cannot afford. Your support to TOY gives the traditionally underserved populations of Erie County a chance to enjoy what many of us take for granted.

In addition to giving children the invaluable experience of going to the theatre, by supporting TOY you will underscore its importance to the community and to the lives of countless children. An added perk is promoting yourself to the audience of approximately 30,000 parents and teachers from across Western New York.

Please consider supporting one of Western New York’s most highly respected cultural organizations. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Please email me for more information on becoming a corporate sponsor, and to recieve a full list of benefits.